Photo from the Gender Spectrum Collection.
“We have been raised to fear the yes within ourselves, our deepest cravings. But, once recognized, those which do not enhance our future lose their power and can be altered. The fear of our desires keeps them suspect and indiscriminately powerful, for to suppress any truth is to give it strength beyond endurance.” -Audre Lorde, in “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power”
Embrace a “yes” deep within yourself today.
Theologies that define sexual desire as inherently sinful have harmed generations of people. Our bodies are beautiful–in whatever shapes they come–and our responses to intimate pleasure can be beautiful, too. Lust only becomes sin when it is damaged by a lack of consent or an abuse of power. Otherwise, it is part of being human.
Enjoy this day lustfully.
It is harmful and pervasive theology that we should feel guilt and shame when we allow ourselves pleasure. None of us has to earn pleasure–we deserve it as a part of our rich humanity. We all deserve bodily pleasure, and spiritual pleasure, and emotional pleasure, just because we are.
Do something to bring yourself pleasure today.
Perhaps sin can be understood as the places where our actions lead to the brokenness of others. Sometimes, that brokenness can be repaired. Sometimes, it can only be atoned for.
How have you atoned for actions that have led to brokenness?
“I want you to know that you are loved beyond your wildest imaginings by the spirit of creation. Every bit of you is holy—even the embarrassing parts, even the thoughts you wouldn’t tell your best friend. God is in your every cell, calling you to live a loving, joyful, boisterous life. To go easier on yourself. To accept that you are a blessing. To spread the word that there is no original sin, that we are all glorious gifts to a world that desperately needs us.” -Kate Landis, from Stubborn Grace: Faith, Mental Illness, and Demanding a Blessing
How do you know yourself as loved and holy?
